Seeking good fortune and avoiding misfortune, I became a legend in the entertainment industry by avo

Chapter 137 Gilding, or Refining?

Dean Zhang took the document and saw that it was a performance contract.

When he saw the name on it, he looked up at Zhang Li in surprise: "What do you mean by this?"

When facing other people, Zhang Li would definitely say some polite things, such as valuing their potential and saying they were a good fit for the role.

But when facing Zhang Heping, Zhang Li said directly, "Someone contacted me and hoped that he could play this role."

"Which side?" Zhang Heping lowered his voice.

Zhang Li didn't answer directly, but instead made a gesture as if pressing an elevator button.

Zhang Heping's eyelid twitched.

"The younger generation in the family?" Zhang Heping asked vaguely.

Although "1911 Revolution" was a tribute film, Lin Juemin's role was small and not worth the criticism.

Someone who would ask for such a role must be a descendant or grandchild.

"I don't know exactly whose it is," Zhang Li sighed. "The person who delivered the message is on good terms with me, but he's tight-lipped about our opponent."

"I understand," Zhang Heping nodded, and didn't ask any further questions.

Zhang Li breathed a sigh of relief. After speaking seriously, it was time to discuss the specifics.

Zhang Li looked at Zhang Heping: "I heard that Zhang Qilin was admitted to the hospital this year. I'm starting filming in October. Please give me a month. During filming, I'll have the acting coach follow me closely. There shouldn't be any major problems."

"A month?" Zhang Heping looked at Zhang Li.

"Yes, just one month." Zhang Li nodded firmly. "The character of Lin Juemin doesn't have too many scenes, but there are a few key scenes. If we film them all together, we can finish filming in a month."

Before Zhang Li could finish speaking, Zhang Heping said, "Isn't that too much?"

Zhang Li was taken aback, not understanding what those words meant. He looked up at the other person, his face full of confusion.

Seeing his expression, Zhang Heping smiled and explained, "Although Zhang Qilin has only been in the hospital for a few months, he is already able to play important supporting roles on stage. In my opinion, his scenes will be finished in half a month at most."

Upon hearing this, Zhang Li's eyes widened as he looked at Zhang Heping: "Brother, are you kidding me? Don't newcomers usually have to endure two or three years before they can even get on stage? He can play an important supporting role after just a few months?"

He was familiar with the rules of the Beijing People's Art Theatre, which is why he prepared for a month according to the standards for newcomers.

Judging from Zhang Heping's words, is it possible that Zhang Qilin, who has only been hospitalized for a few months, will be able to play a supporting role on stage?

Zhang Heping smiled and said, "Half a month is plenty of time. This child is quick to learn and hardworking. You give him the script, and let him figure out the rest on his own."

Is it really that simple?

No need for a professional acting coach to help you refine your performance?

No need to repeat —

Even though Zhang Heping said it, Zhang Li still found it hard to believe.

This is the kind of performance only veteran actors can deliver.

How could a new patient who has only been admitted to the hospital for a few months have this ability?

"Brother, don't tease me. The Zhang Qilin you described is way too exaggerated, isn't it?" Zhang Li asked uncertainly.

Zhang Heping saw through Zhang Li's thoughts and said with a smile, "Zhang Li, how could I joke with you? Zhang Qilin is the most outstanding one among this year's newcomers. Cunxin and Yuanzheng both have high hopes for him and have been working hard to cultivate him."

Zhang Li stared intently at Zhang Heping, as if trying to find any trace of a joke on the other's face.

Pu Cunxin and Feng Yuanzheng knew that both of them thought highly of Zhang Qilin, which meant that the young man must indeed have extraordinary abilities.

He was initially hesitant when he received this instruction.

Truly talented actors fight for roles themselves; those who rely on others to arrange their roles are likely to have poor acting skills, even if they are newcomers at the Beijing People's Art Theatre.

But he dared not refuse this arrangement, so he had no choice but to bite the bullet and go to Zhang Heping.

Who would have thought that Zhang Qilin was so highly regarded within the Beijing People's Art Theatre?

Zhang Heping picked up his teacup and took a sip of tea slowly.

"So don't worry. This kid has the makings of an actor."

Zhang Li's expression completely relaxed, even showing a relieved smile.

His tone warmed up: "Brother, now that you say that, I feel much relieved. To be honest, I was a little worried that it might turn out to be all show and no substance, which would ruin the film—but it's a pleasant surprise."

"Whether it's a surprise or not, you'll know once you see it for yourself," Zhang Heping returned to the main topic. "Half a month is enough for me. His small amount of screen time will have a negligible impact on your entire filming period."

"Then it's settled," Zhang Li nodded. "Please call him over, I'll sign the contract with him here."

o

Zhang Heping shook his head: "I have a condition."

"Please speak."

"Let him fight for the role of Lin Juemin himself."

Zhang Li frowned slightly, not understanding the meaning of these words: "Brother, what are you doing—"

Zhang Heping interrupted him: "You just said that someone asked you to use him, and you can't refuse that favor. I understand, but a play is a play, and a favor is a favor. That's what I said."

He tapped the contract on the table: "I can keep this contract for now, but you have to promise me that once he joins the crew, you can use it however you want. If he performs well, you can keep it; if he doesn't, you have to return it to me without considering anyone else's feelings."

Zhang Li was stunned.

Looking into Zhang Heping's sharp eyes, he suddenly understood.

"Brother," Zhang Li said cautiously, "you're... protecting him?"

Zhang Heping sighed, his tone earnest: "This child is talented, but the worst thing about talent is being pampered and worshipped. If he thinks he has someone to back him up after his first movie, he'll go astray in the future."

Zhang Li fell silent.

After a moment, he nodded: "Okay, we'll do it your way. If he's okay, I'll keep him; if not, I'll send him back. I won't hesitate."

Zhang Heping then showed a satisfied expression: "Did you bring the script?"

Zhang Li took the script out of her bag and nodded: "I brought it."

Zhang Heping nodded, then picked up the intercom on the table. "Xiao Chen, have Zhang Qilin from the acting troupe come to my office now."

The rehearsal hall for the TV series "Wotou Guild Hall".

Zhang Qilin was rehearsing in place of Zhou Ziping when the door to the rehearsal hall was pushed open from the outside.

Director Chen from the Dean's Office walked in quietly. He crouched down and came to Lin Zhaohua's side, whispering a few words in his ear.

Lin Zhaohua nodded in agreement, but did not immediately interrupt the rehearsal.

Only after this scene was rehearsed did Lin Zhaohua clap his hands to signal everyone to take a break.

He walked up to Zhang Qilin, his eyes filled with approval: "You captured the emotions perfectly, not bad."

"Thank you, Director Lin," Zhang Qilin said, wiping the fine sweat from his forehead, his breathing still not fully calm.

"Alright, don't thank me. You did all the work yourself," Lin Zhaohua waved his hand, then lowered his voice, "Director Chen from the Dean's Office just came over. Dean Zhang wants you to go to his office now."

Zhang Qilin was taken aback upon hearing this.

Did Dean Zhang go directly to him?

Could it be because of the Badao shampoo incident?

Thinking of this, Zhang Qilin replied, "Okay, I'll go first."

As Zhang Qilin walked, he pondered how to answer the dean's questions.

He went to the dean's office and found Director Chen.

Director Chen told him to go straight in.

He arrived at the office door, took a deep breath, composed himself, and raised his hand to knock on the dean's office door.

"Come in," came Zhang Heping's steady voice from inside.

Zhang Qilin pushed open the door and entered. The first thing he saw was Zhang Heping sitting behind a large desk, while on the sofa next to him sat a middle-aged man with a smiling face and a capable demeanor, who was sizing him up.

His gaze was gentle, yet carried a professional scrutiny.

"Dean, you wanted to see me?" Zhang Qilin walked up and stopped, his tone respectful.

"Qi Lin is here, come and sit down," Zhang Heping pointed to the empty seat on the other side of the sofa. "This is Director Zhang Li."

Zhang Li?

Zhang Qilin's heart skipped a beat; he knew why Dean Zhang had summoned him.

He stepped forward and bowed slightly: "Hello, Director Zhang, I am Zhang Qilin."

Courtesy and courteous.

"Hello, please have a seat, don't be shy." Zhang Li smiled and nodded, her gaze still lingering on Zhang Qilin.

The young man in front of me was tall and straight, with clear features and a calm demeanor.

Zhang Heping didn't beat around the bush and directly picked up the script on the table and handed it to Qi Lin: "Qi Lin, Director Zhang has a film project, an important tribute film, and there's a role in it that I think you might be suitable for. Here's the script."

All three understood that since the role had been arranged beforehand, Zhang Qilin must know about it.

However, all three of them ignored this point and pretended not to know it.

Zhang Qilin feigned surprise as he accepted the script, bowing slightly to the two of them: "Thank you, Director Zhang, for the opportunity. Thank you, Dean."

"Don't thank me yet," Zhang Heping said calmly. "Take the script back and read it. You'll have an audition at the end of September. If you're good, you can go. If not, come back and keep practicing on the stage. Any questions?"

Zhang Qilin was taken aback, not expecting such an unexpected turn of events.

But he didn't argue, nodding in agreement: "No problem, Dean, I will do my best."

"Thank you, Director Zhang," Zhang Qilin said again.

"Go ahead and get ready." Zhang Heping waved his hand.

Zhang Qilin bowed to the two men again, then turned and left the office.

Watching Zhang Qilin leave, Zhang Li said with a smile, "That kid is really confident; he didn't even raise any objections."

"It's not confidence, it's knowing your own limitations," Zhang Heping said with admiration. "This kid knows his own worth. Give him a role, and he'll take it; give him an audition, and he'll go for it, because he believes he can get it based on his own abilities."

Zhang Li nodded thoughtfully.

He had seen too many young actors, especially those with connections, who were either overjoyed and couldn't hide their excitement when they got a chance, or they pretended to be reserved and pretentious. It was rare to see someone as calm and composed as Zhang Qilin.

Zhang Li leaned forward slightly. "He went back to read the script, figured out the character, and then auditioned at the end of September—a little over a month like that. Aren't you worried that he'll be under too much pressure? Or, since we've been so open with him, won't the person who's making the connections think we're being unreasonable?"

"A greeting is a greeting, and acting is acting," Zhang Heping said firmly. "If that kid can't even handle this much pressure, he shouldn't be in this business. As for the people behind him—"

He paused, looking out the window: "If the person who delivered this message was just looking for exposure and prestige, there are many other easier ways. Why bother putting someone in a tribute film, and even choosing a significant historical figure for the role? I think there might be a deeper consideration on their part."

Zhang Li suddenly realized: "I understand. Let's see what they're made of by the end of September."

"Hmm," Zhang Heping nodded, "Don't feel pressured. If he's good, you'll find him easy to use, and the film will be excellent, everyone will be happy. If he's not good, you can send him back, and I'll keep practicing. No one can say anything. Let's put things out in the open; it's better for everyone."

"That's settled then," Zhang Li stood up, picked up his bag, "Brother, I'll go back and get ready. There's a ton of stuff going on with the film crew, waiting for me to handle it."

"Okay, I won't see you off," Zhang Heping also stood up, and the two shook hands.

Zhang Li walked to the door, then turned back and asked, "By the way, when is his performance scheduled? I'd like to come and check it out."

"The 'Wotou Guild Hall' at the end of August," Zhang Heping said.

Zhang Li was surprised to hear this and looked at Zhang Heping: "He can act in this drama now?"

"He's the substitute for all the actors; he can step in when someone is unavailable."

"Substitute, I understand," he nodded. "Then I'll definitely be there. Seeing it live is the best way to experience it."

"Welcome," Zhang Heping said with a smile.

Zhang Qilin returned to the rehearsal hall, put the script in his bag, and continued rehearsing.

For him, mastering all the characters in "Wotou Guild Hall" is the most important thing right now.

The next day, Zhang Qilin received a notice to attend a hospital office meeting. The matter of compensation for the Badao shampoo had been resolved, and his opinion needed to be sought.

>